Happy secular new year! I love having two opportunities each year to turn the page and feel the hope that comes with new beginnings. 2026 is a book as-yet unwritten. With what will we fill its pages?
https://cbiberkshires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TBS-Wine-Cheese.png450800Rachel Barenblathttps://cbiberkshires.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CBI-Logo-70h-2.pngRachel Barenblat2026-01-05 12:00:002026-01-05 09:58:43From the Rabbi – January 2026
As I write these words we’ve entered the lunar month of Heshvan, during which there are no holidays other than Shabbat. After the densely-packed spiritual season of the high holidays, Heshvan can feel like an abrupt gearshift.
https://cbiberkshires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FTR-November-2025.jpg10801525Rachel Barenblathttps://cbiberkshires.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CBI-Logo-70h-2.pngRachel Barenblat2025-11-03 12:00:002025-11-03 16:34:09From the Rabbi – November 2025
We hope you enjoyed a beautiful high holiday observance. We were delighted to welcome many of you into our overflowing sanctuary to worship together, share special holiday treats on Rosh Hashana, break-the-fast on Yom Kippur, and enjoy a community potluck in our beautiful sukkah.
What a beautiful holiday season it has been thus far. It was such a joy to be with you on Rosh Hashanah and during the first half of Yom Kippur!
As you may know by now, I experienced several TIAs during Yom Kippur morning services. (It was difficult for me to speak at times, and the words either wouldn’t come out, or came out wrong.) Thankfully each episode passed quickly and I was able to continue praying with you through the end of Yizkor. After that I went to the hospital for the remainder of Thursday and all of Friday. I am now released from the hospital and recovering at home comfortably.
https://cbiberkshires.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CBI-Labyrinth-2025.jpg600800Rachel Barenblathttps://cbiberkshires.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CBI-Logo-70h-2.pngRachel Barenblat2025-10-13 09:00:002025-10-10 17:00:51From the Rabbi – October 2025
From the Rabbi – January 2026
Events, From The Rabbi, Jewish Holidays, Newsletter, Pesach, Shevat, Tu BiShvatHappy secular new year! I love having two opportunities each year to turn the page and feel the hope that comes with new beginnings. 2026 is a book as-yet unwritten. With what will we fill its pages?
January 2026 | Tevet / Shevat 5786
Community, Events, From The President, Jewish Holidays, Newsletter, Purim, Tu BiShvat, VolunteeringWith the start of the new secular year of 2026 and the second half of CBI’s year, we are looking both forward and back.
From the Rabbi – November 2025
Cheshvan, Days of Awe, Events, From The Rabbi, Jewish Holidays, Newsletter, Shabbat, Spiritual LifeAs I write these words we’ve entered the lunar month of Heshvan, during which there are no holidays other than Shabbat. After the densely-packed spiritual season of the high holidays, Heshvan can feel like an abrupt gearshift.
November 2025 | Cheshvan / Kislev 5786
Community, Days of Awe, Events, From The President, Jewish Holidays, NewsletterWe hope you enjoyed a beautiful high holiday observance. We were delighted to welcome many of you into our overflowing sanctuary to worship together, share special holiday treats on Rosh Hashana, break-the-fast on Yom Kippur, and enjoy a community potluck in our beautiful sukkah.
From the Rabbi – October 2025
Cheshvan, Days of Awe, From The Rabbi, Jewish Holidays, Newsletter, Sukkot, Tishrei, Yom KippurWhat a beautiful holiday season it has been thus far. It was such a joy to be with you on Rosh Hashanah and during the first half of Yom Kippur!
As you may know by now, I experienced several TIAs during Yom Kippur morning services. (It was difficult for me to speak at times, and the words either wouldn’t come out, or came out wrong.) Thankfully each episode passed quickly and I was able to continue praying with you through the end of Yizkor. After that I went to the hospital for the remainder of Thursday and all of Friday. I am now released from the hospital and recovering at home comfortably.